How do you convince a reluctant relative that joining the Army is a good decision?

Answer 1

Why would you think it's a good idea? 2 issues here, one, your uncle may have a bias that you won't be able to break..."wussy way to escape the real world," and Two, your preconceived bias "it's a good idea" will clash. You are trying to do to him what he is trying to do to you...both convince each other. There is no give and take in this situation. I can't think of any good reason to join the military, so I'll just say is it your only option?Consider this, he is most likely worried for your safety and can't make a good argument for you not to join the Army. From your wording, I believe you have already made up your mind to join, and just want your uncle's blessing or understanding. Hopefully you make a good "MOS" decision. If you scored high on the AFVAB, you can get a guaranteed specialty. Think about life after the military. There aren't too many job openings for a "Tank gunner", and military retirement will not pay the bills. I know I might not be directly answering the question here, but I have to say that I agree with your uncle and the answer above mine. Never trust an army recruiter; they have a quota to reach, and it is their job to do whatever they have to do to reach that quota, even if it requires lying to you. And they're not stupid; they know how to be convincing and how to make you trust them. -DJ Craig I agree with the above posters. There is an old saying in the Army, "NEVER offer to do anything!" If an officer demands this of you that's one thing, but, it's not a good idea to offer one's help in this scenario. Your uncle could well be right and you are partly right. Armed forces do help build character, but, we have a war going on. War is not fun and casualties high. I suspect your uncle is so stubborn or just a quiet man he isn't really telling you the truth. He doesn't want to risk losing you! If you saw Fahrenheit 9/11 then you saw with your own eyes that Army Recruiters and Marine Recruiters were going to colleges to get enlistees. They will tell you it will shape you up, build character and basically "you could come home a hero!" They'll tell you anything to get you to enlist. Some young men find it romantic or it will make them a man, or, it's an adventure until they see one of their buddies blown apart or dead. No one is prepared for this! Boyo, you need to study this war a little more before you make this decision and you can learn much off the web (good sites.) Get the right information before enlisting. There is nothing heroic about war and it's nothing but a big trauma center and can bring down a full-grown man and leave him with mush for brains! Sit down with your uncle and ask what his reasoning's are. Perhaps he may give you the truth instead of hiding behind his pride. He's worried! He doesn't believe in this war! Start hitting the web!